Tag Archives: UK tax advice

UK Spring Statement March 2026 – a summary for GCC residents

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For those of us in the Middle East our thoughts are understandably on issues closer to our current homes at this time but this still has relevance to UK nationals and those with assets in the UK.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, the RT Hon Rachel Reeves, has shared her update on the UK economy – the Spring Statement. This is not a Budget, but an update, a forecast statement.

It covers the latest estimates for growth, unemployment, inflation, government spending and income from taxation has been published by The Office for Budget Responsibility.

Think of if as a bit of report card and some qualified predictions.

Following every Budget or Statement, I write an article to give you a concise overview of some of the main points, with particular reference to any changes that have major relevance to those living outside of the UK, and especially in the GCC. Quick, easy to follow, and informative

The UK press will cover many points in detail but much of it will not be directly relevant to expats so i alsoway write someitnung for us, although this has little of direct relevane to non-residents.

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UK Budget November 2025 – a summary for GCC expats

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Here we go again! This is a widely-anticipated Budget following weeks of media speculation.

I think we are all a bit fed up of the “leaks” and media briefings that are the hallmark of all Budgets in the past few years. It is also very unprofessional that The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) unexpectedly published its growth forecast ahead of the Chancellor’s statement. This contains market sensitive information so let’s hope there is an enquiry and action

The UK media frenzy and contact conjecture really helps no one.  A little more decorum all round might be nice.

Following every Budget or Statement, I write an article to give you a concise overview of some of the main points, with particular reference to any changes that have major relevance to those living outside of the UK, and especially in the GCC.

The UK press will cover many points in detail but much of it will not be directly relevant to expats, to people who are no longer tax resident in the UK, so my summaries focus on the points that will be most relevant to us.

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Nottingham. A city of legend & a great property opportunity (starting with a 5% deposit)

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You too can be a one of the merry men (or women) by investing here with a deposit of just 5%!

Buying an investment property in the UK, a low-risk and steady market is much more affordable than you might think.

This conversion development has a low entry point with an excellent yield. Deposit of just 5% and easy payment plans.  Nottingham has a shortfall of quality rental property so there is high demand and above average rental yields

The city of Nottingham is probably best known for the legend of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, the outlaws who stole from the rich to give to the poor. With this incredible investment opportunity, you don’t need to be rich, or to steal from the rich, to invest.

This is a stylish collection of new 106 studios and one-bedroom apartments set in its own grounds with the widest array of in-house amenities in Nottingham, including 24/7 concierge, residents’ gym, shared lounges, gardens, private courtyard, collaborative workspace, meeting rooms and a games & entertainment room.

Edit 04/03/26  Phase 2 now launched. A further 42 apartments are now available. 

Details similar to Phase1 as detailed below, with a 21 month deposit payment period and build completion still due Q3 2027

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UK tax returns – a low-cost service

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Do you need to submit a self assessment tax return to HMRC? Want a bit of help but don’t want to pay a lot of money?

I have the answer for you!

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UK Budget October 2024 – a summary for UK expats in the GCC

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This is the first UK Budget by a Labour government since 2010, and the first one from a woman Chancellor of the Exchequer in Rachel Reeves. Considering the role has existed for 800 years, this is a significant moment for representation in politics.

Will this Budget be a defining moment for the new Labour UK Government? This is was never going to be an easy Budget with giveaways and we all knew that.  It was claimed to be a budget for the average working person and it has largely met that brief, although some will not be pleased with certain announcements.

Following every Budget or Statement, I write an article to give you a concise overview of some of the main points, with particular reference to any changes that have major relevance to those living outside of the UK, and especially in the GCC.

The UK press will cover many points in detail but much of it will not be directly relevant to expats so this article focuses on the points that will be most relevant to us.

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Living in the UAE. 10 major money mistakes you want to avoid

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Moving to the UAE is a big change. Living in the UAE, or even the wider GCC, is not quite like life elsewhere.

It is not uncommon for expats for make a few financial mistakes but proper planning, some research, and the right advice will make for a better experience, and a better life generally.

This article has a list of the most common errors and while some may seem obvious, they are all made regularly. Knowledge is power so have a read and make sure you aren’t making mistakes that you could easily avoid.

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Need to know: UK Property Taxes

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This article is designed to be a brief guide to the taxes that apply to UK property, all in one place.  This is written for the benefit of non-residents of the UK.

There are various taxes that apply with in relation to the ownership of UK property and an overview of each of the main ones is set out below.

I have covered this topic previously but it is time for an update as various rules have changed over the past few years.

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Moving from the UAE to the UK? You need a financial exit plan.

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When you relocate from one country to another there is a great deal you need to think about. This includes the practical problems of shipping your possessions, finding a place to live, finding new schools for children, new employment and so on.

No doubt you will have lists of things to do but one area that is often overlooked is the financial side. It may not be exciting but you need to be aware of these issues to avoid any nasty surprise tax bills, especially in respect of UAE income or offshore investments.

Getting it right will save you money. Getting it wrong can be expensive.

I provide an exit planning service for people relocating to the UK and this professional service, with a personalised advice and a written report you can refer back to, can save you both money and headaches.

I also offer an advisory service for people moving to the UAE from the UK that covers steps you need to take regarding banks and HMRC, letting out a property, taxation, what to do about your investments and pensions, the local laws and rules, issues about inheritance and protecting assets when in the UAE, and a wide range of general information gained from 18 years of living here.

This updated article is about some of the topics that you need to consider when you leave the UAE to move to the UK:

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UK Autumn Statement November 2023 – a summary for expats

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Once again Jeremey Hunt, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, has delivered an Autumn Statement, this time with a claim that there would be 110 measures “to help grow the economy”. We will be the judge of that…

This article is a brief overview of some of the main points with particular reference to any cannouncements that have relevance to those living outside of the UK, and especially in the GCC.

The UK press will cover many points in detail but many of the points will not be directly relevant to expats so this article focuses on the points that will directly affect us.

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Invest in UK property without a big deposit? Yes, you can!

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You may think that you need to save up for ages to save up a deposit to buy a property in the UK but there is another way. There is no need to wait until you have saved 30-35% before you buy.

This is for direct ownership and makes it much easy for you to get on the property ladder.

Secure the purchase price now, but pay the deposit of 30% over a period of 15 to 30 months, before you arrange a mortgage to finance the balance.

No need to wait to get on the UK propert ladder and you can buy an investment property at today’s prices, not at an increased rate in a few years’ time.

  • Article updated 16/02/2026

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